Elton John discloses ‘limited vision in one eye’ due to ‘serious’ eye infection
Elton John has delivered some unfortunate updates regarding his health.
“This summer, I’ve been suffering from a severe eye infection that has sadly resulted in limited vision in one eye. Although I am recovering, it’s a very slow journey and it will take time before my sight returns to that eye,” the singer shared in a statement on his social media on Tuesday.
“I am incredibly thankful for the wonderful doctors, nurses, and my family who have cared for me in recent weeks,” John, 77, added. “I’ve spent the summer quietly recuperating at home and I’m feeling positive about the progress I’ve made in my recovery thus far.”
Messages of support poured in from friends including tennis icon Billie Jean King, actress Hannah Waddingham from “Ted Lasso,” and songwriter Bernie Taupin. “Sending love and support your way. Get well soon, my friend,” King expressed.
Taupin wrote, “Get back on your feet, good buddy,” while Waddingham shared: “Sending you golden, healing vibes, Elton.”
This past March, John and Taupin were celebrated for their almost 60-year collaboration with the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. Paul McCartney stands as the only other British artist to receive this recognition.
Elton John, an EGOT winner, has previously undergone hip surgery and knee replacements
John concluded his farewell tour last summer with a show in Stockholm, where he referred to his career as “52 years of pure joy.”
“I’m trying to grasp it, and I don’t think it will fully hit me for some time that I’ve actually finished touring,” John remarked in a statement to YSL News last year. “I can’t express how much I will miss the fans and how profoundly their support has touched me — it will remain with me forever.”
He had started his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour in 2018 but had to postpone his U.K. and Europe dates in 2021 for hip surgery after experiencing a fall that made “moving increasingly difficult.”
John was also hospitalized last August “as a precaution” after “a fall” at his southern France home. “After examinations, he was promptly discharged that morning and is now back at home and doing well,” a spokesperson informed YSL News at the time.
In January, John became an EGOT winner when he received an Emmy Award for the Disney+ concert special “Elton John: Farewell From Dodger Stadium.” Although, he could not attend the Los Angeles ceremony due to undergoing knee replacement surgery.